XPO Logistics acquisition of Norbert Dentressangle could benefit wine importers

XPO Logistics is to acquire Norbert Dentressangle, a leading global provider of contract logistics, freight brokerage and transportation services in a move that could benefit UK wine importers through improved customer service and the availability of a broader logistic network.

Global wine consumption fell in 2014, but shows signs of "stabilisation", OIV says

Global wine consumption has dropped slightly in the last year, according to the latest figures from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) - but overall there are signs of stabilization.

French wine cooperative to offer employees shares

A French cooperative, Plaimont Producteurs is set to open up its business to allow employees to become shareholders, which it claims is a first for a wine cooperative.

En primeur: "encouraging signs" from first chateaux to release prices

One of Chateau Lafite's subsidiary châteaux became the first to release prices for en primeur 2014 - and the signs are "encouraging", according to fine wine specialists.

Plumpton College launches first UK wine business degree

Plumpton College is launching the first wine business honours degree in the UK.

Kent winery Chapel Down hails "excellent" year as sales rise 21%

English wine producer Chapel Down hailed an "excellent year" after seeing year-on-year sales rise 21% during 2014 to £6.1m.

Entrepreneur sets up cycling tours around English vineyards

An entrepreneur has set a up a travel company offering cycling tours of English vineyards.

English Wine Week heads north as Birmingham unveils series of events

English Wine Week is set to extend outside its South East heartland this year with a series of events in Birmingham celebrating English wine.

Rioja 2014 official vintage rated 'good' with increased quantities over last year

The thirtieth officially rated vintage in Rioja was rated 'good' by the control board for the Designated of Origin (DOC) with quantities looking to be higher than the 2013 vintage.

En primeur facing a 'phoney war' as chateaux hold back on prices

Prices for en primeur 2015 are widely anticipated to be released in the next two weeks - but châteaux owners seem to be wary of committing themselves, a leading fine wine investment expert has warned.

Champagne house Bruno Paillard partners with Sushisamba

Global wine supplies relatively 'balanced', but expect premium supplies to tighten, Rabobank says

Global wine inventories appear to be balanced, according to the latest wine report from Rabobank - but the report warns of variations in supply between the premium and generic ends. 

UK remains largest export market for Côtes du Rhône wine

Côtes du Rhône figures for 2014 confirmed the UK remained the Rhône Valley's largest export market, accounting for 18% of its exports. 

Artisan wine fair RAW announces new Berlin venue, as international visitor numbers grow

The artisan wine fair, RAW is launching a new fair in Berlin later this year, to cater for an increasingly international clientele.

Q&A: Damian Clarke of Freixenet's UK says his past work with FMCGs is helping to build stronger brands in wine trade

After a career spanning many leading grocery brands, Freixenet's UK boss Damian Clarke explains how his classic FMCG training is paying dividends in sparkling wine in the UK.

Economists brace for China's slowing economy

China has reported a 15% fall in exports and a 12% fall in imports for the month of March 2015, which has increased concerns that the Chinese economy is slowing down.

Burgundy negociants Badet Clement invest in new winery

Burgundy negociants Badet Clément is investing more than €6.5m in a new state of the art winery at Monze Cave, following its acquisition of the Monze Cave cooperative in January.

Interview: Why Paul Symington is set on ensuring a healthy future for Port wine

If the Port industry shares the same ambition and drive for its future as producer Paul Symington, then that future is healthy indeed

Fortified wines see sales declining, but there are still opportunties for the category

Despite declining volumes, there are still ample opportunities for growth and innovation within the fortified wine category.

Riecine: Bringing a touch of Englishness to the Tuscan hills

The English have long beaten a path to the rolling hills of Tuscany for their holidays. Twenty-four years ago winemaker Sean O'Callaghan did just that - but he never left and has been making wines at Riecine winery ever since